Evaluation oi indirect and direct pulp capping used in primary teeth at Brazilian dental schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study wa to carry out a research about con cepts, medications and techniques related to direct and indirect pulp capping taught at Pediatric Dentis try at 34 Brazilian Universities. questionnaire was sent to all head of Departments with six questions about indirect pulp capping and four questions referring conducts at direct pulp capping, After data analysis, it was concluded that in direct pulp capping in primary te eth is indicated in 85% of the eva luated Dental Schools. The criteria adopted to indicate the technique were: absence of spontaneous pain and deep lesion without pulp invol vement. The material used to sea th: remaining decayed dentine was calcium hydroxide in 68% o the studied schools, The technique in two appointments was prefer- red in 60% of the Schools and the period for a new intervention wa fifteen days in most schools (80%) Considering direct pulp capping in primary teeth, the indication was in 55% of the schools, based o the following criteria: accidental and small pulp exposition, absen- ce of decayed tissue, young teeth, absence of contamination using rubber dam, volume and bleeding coloro The most used capping material was calcium hydroxide (92,6%) followed by adhesive sys tems (3,7%) and Guedes-Pinto's paste (3,7%). Key words: deciduous tooth, den tal pulp capping, pediatric dentis- try.